In a lifetime, you will pass at least 80,000 people. However, that number is too vast to fully comprehend. From elementary school to West Seattle High, you will find yourself surrounded by around 5,000 students. This statistic raises an important question: why does it matter that out of those 5,000, you typically only forge friendships with about 3% of them? The answer lies in a troubling reality—people are disappearing. They are being taken away, often stolen from their communities. As the population around us shrinks, that small percentage of friends, the 3%, begins to feel disproportionately larger.
This issue isn’t confined to our school; many students across various parts of the district are grappling with a profound fear of attending classes. But can we truly blame them? Parents are increasingly concerned for their children’s safety, prompting many families to insist that their students carry identification to ensure that their child isn’t abducted on the way home. This begs the question: will these measures be enough to halt the wrath of ICE?
I have taken the time to interview numerous staff members and students about their fears and opinions regarding ICE’s actions in our community. Their perspectives are varied and deeply personal, underscoring the pervasive anxiety that looms over our educational environments. The uncertainty of whether our peers will return home safely each day hangs heavily in the air, reminding us of the vulnerabilities we face. This issue is not just about numbers; it is about the lives behind those numbers, and the profound impact that fear and uncertainty can have on our learning experiences and overall well-being.
I have heard the views of fellow students during my daily interactions over the past few weeks, but I wanted to formally reach out to teachers to ask for their perspectives.
The Seattle Education Association (SEA) is a non-profit organization numerous teachers are a part of at West Seattle that has dedicated itself to improving student experiences at school. On January 24th, several teachers in SEA participated in a powerful rally against Immigration and Customs Enforcement, proudly displaying “Abolish ICE” merchandise to not only fight for general political reform, but for the safety of their students.
One of the educators who attended the demonstration explained they participated because “1) It was symbolic. 2) The internal building of community.”
The interviewed teacher elaborated on this point by emphasizing that a crucial aspect of efforts to abolish ICE is, “knowing your rights and keeping each other safe, thereby creating a community where we protect one another.” This underscores the importance of solidarity and communal support in the ongoing fight for justice and dignity for all individuals.
Another teacher who attended said, “As a teacher, I am one of the people that parents expect to help their kids feel safe at school. Therefore, speaking up for keeping ICE out of schools is important because it lets families know that we are committed to helping students feel safe at school.” They continued by saying, “If you are afraid, we are here for you. We want to help.” They elaborated on that promise, offering ways students can access resources. “Reach out to the adults at school that you trust so we can connect you with the services you, your family or friends may need,” acknowledging the very real fear immigrants and citizens alike have of getting abducted by ICE agents when they’re out of the house. The staff interviewee said, “We have the ability to help your family with basic needs.”
Overall, the teachers interviewed consistently conveyed a unified and powerful message: their primary goal is to protect their students and create a nurturing and secure environment where every child can come to school without fear. Security at school fosters not only academic growth but also a profound sense of belonging and safety within their educational community: without fear. Making everyone feel safe is the primary goal of WSHS staff members.
But it’s not just teachers. On Thursday, February 5, around 2,000 students from several high schools in the Seattle school district protested against ICE. As one of the many, I can express that standing there surrounded by thousands felt empowering. Knowing that there were students who were willing to fight for what they believed in without the expectation of a wide impact, it was outstanding to see.
One student from the walkout said, “I am going to continue to post and speak out against ICE because not only is it affecting my community, but it is affecting my friend group.”
Another said, “ICE is violating our rights as people, and I’m not going to stop until they’re gone.” This kind of passion and commitment was truly inspiring, and it highlighted the strength of our youth in the face of such serious issues. The entire experience was a reminder that even in uncertain times, the voices of young people could resonate powerfully in society, igniting a conversation that could lead to meaningful change.
As we navigate these uncertain times, it is important that we find strength in our friendships and community ties; they serve as a powerful defense against the fear of losing our rights as citizens and tiring our defenses against unacceptable government behavior.
Let us be the change-makers who rise together to protect both strangers and those we hold dear. Each friendship we cultivate, and each voice we raise in solidarity contributes to a collective movement for safety, justice, and equality. The stakes are high, but together we can create a more supportive and resilient community that stands firm against fear and injustice. We must be relentless in our pursuit of change, recognizing that our collective strength lies in our diversity and unity. Together, we can transform our worry into action, our fear into hope, and together, we will form an unwavering front against oppression– ensuring that every person feels valued, respected, and safe in their rightful place within our society.
